Finding the Elusive Double Rainbow.
It’s a beauty, and was exciting to see. I’m glad to have been able to photograph it.
This summertime photo in 2025 shows a double rainbow over our beach just after a rainstorm. Here’s what’s happening:
Primary Rainbow (the bright one)
The lower, brighter arc is the primary rainbow. (Notice the grey colors of the sky)
It forms when sunlight enters raindrops, reflects once inside, and splits into colors.
The order of colors goes red on top, violet on the bottom.
Secondary Rainbow (the faint outer one)
The larger, fainter arc above it is the secondary rainbow.
It happens when light reflects twice inside the raindrops.
Because of the double reflection, the colors are reversed — red is on the bottom, violet on top.
Weather Clue
The sky near the horizon is brighter where the primary rainbow appears because sunlight is more colorful in that direction.
The darker band between the two rainbows is called Alexander’s band, caused by the way light is dispersed between the two arcs.
Why It Happens Over Water
The lake provides abundant moisture, increasing the likelihood of rainbows.
The sun is behind me, low in the sky, shining through the rain over the water.
So, what you’re seeing IS A RARE and beautifully clear double rainbow created by sunlight reflecting and refracting through raindrops over Lake Michigan.
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Wow!
Stunning image!